A MAJOR rescue operation was launched to save two kite surfers who were being swept out to sea.
The kite surfers found themselves about a mile off shore, pushed along by a strong outgoing tide.
Emergency services were concerned the pair had been in the water for a “considerable period” and showing signs of hypothermia and possible ‘secondary drowning’.
Luckily one of the kite surfers had managed to call 999 using his Apple Watch and raised the alarm with HM Coastguard.
The casualties had been spotted by the National Coastwatch Southend to have passed the Shoeburyness Beacon and were in danger of potentially being swept past the Shoebury Boom.
The Southend RNLI lifeboat was also called and guided to the casualties’ location by the National Coastwatch Institution.
The kite surfers were brought ashore at West Beach into the care of HM Coastguard Southend officers and the East of England Ambulance Service NHS Trust (EEAST).
Due to concern for their welfare, the Hospital Emergency Medical Service air ambulance and EEAST incident commanders were sent to the scene as a precaution.
The casualties were taken to the Southend Coastguard station where they were given treatment and warm drinks while their conditions were monitored by paramedics.
Once paramedics were comfortable with their improving condition, they were discharged from the care of the emergency responders.
A HM Coastguard spokesman said: “Should you see anyone in trouble on or near the coast, don’t hesitate to dial 999 and ask for the Coastguard. You could save someone’s life.”